Ethnicity & Religious Beliefs

• Which ethnic groups in the UK are more religious than the white British majority?

  Almost all minority ethnic groups
• What did Tariq Modood et al (1997) find about minority ethnic groups in the UK?

  They are more religious than white British
• What do trends since Modood's findings suggest?

  The differences in religiosity are more apparent today
• What identity do Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslims in the UK primarily identify with?

  Muslim
• How does the religious knowledge of young Muslims compare to their parents?

  Young Muslims have greater knowledge than parents
• What evidence did Modood find regarding younger Sikhs' religiosity?

  Younger Sikhs are less likely to wear a turban
• What are the reasons for greater religiosity among minority-ethnic groups?

  • Cultural transition: support during immigration
  • Cultural defence: protection from majority hostility
  • Importance of religious identity in multicultural society
• What does Bruce (2002) suggest about cultural transition?

  It helps minority groups during immigration
• What religious institutions did minority groups build to ease their transition?

  Temples, mosques, and gurdwaras
• What does Bruce suggest about second and third generation immigrants?

  They may have less need for religion
• What is cultural defence according to Bruce?

  Using religion to defend against hostility
• How did African Caribbean immigrants respond to racism in congregations?

  They set up or joined black churches
• What does Johal (1998) suggest about religious identity?

  It is increasingly important in a multi-faith society
• What does Grace Davie (1994) suggest about religious identity?

  It provides a sense of belonging
• What are the five reasons John Bird suggested for minority ethnic groups' religiosity?

  1. Greater religiosity in countries of origin
  2. Sense of community and identity
  3. Maintaining cultural identity and tradition
  4. Religious socialisation pressures
  5. Dealing with oppression (cultural defence)
• What choices do new immigrants have according to George Chryssides?

  Apostasy, accommodation, renewed vigour
• What does apostasy mean in the context of new immigrants?

  Abandoning beliefs to fit in
• What does accommodation mean for new immigrants?

  Adapting beliefs to new environment
• What does renewed vigour refer to in the context of new immigrants?

  Increased religiosity in response to hostility
• What should be considered when evaluating minority ethnic groups' religiosity compared to the white majority?

  • Statistical data may represent social constructions
  • Lack of faith may be deviant in some communities
  • Religious organizations serve as community hubs
  • Bruce's explanations suggest social factors influence religiosity
• What recent migrant communities should not be neglected in this discussion?

  Predominantly Roman Catholic EU migrants
• What has been observed in areas with high Polish immigration?

  Increased congregations in Catholic churches